Read Online Boots and Roses by Myla Jackson - Free Book Online Page B

clearing his throat made her pull away, slowly. Reluctantly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    Jack’s hand slipped down to squeeze her ass. “Count on it.”
    She slapped at him playfully and smiled as he left through the front door. Then her focus shifted to Ray, her happiness leaving with Jack.
    Ray’s lip curled into a snarl. “Do you realize how slutty you look?”
    Bunny’s hand lifted automatically to smooth her hair. “You can leave now.”
    “You should be ashamed of the way you’re acting with the college boy and that cop.”
    While rage ripped through her, she forced a slow, sexy smile. “Jealous?”
    “Not in the least. I’m about to be a married man.”
    “You were a married man once before. Adultery didn’t seem to bother you. I’m not married now. Why should a single woman having fun with a couple of single guys be wrong?” She lifted a stack of gift cards from the counter and straightened them before laying them back down. “Is there some business that you forgot to attend to from this morning? Otherwise, this conversation is over.”
    “This conversation is over when I say it’s over.” Ray stepped closer to the counter. “I still own half of this business and I can call in the note anytime I feel like it.”
    Gooseflesh rose on Bunny’s arm. “Are you threatening me?”
    “I still have a stake in this business. If it fails, you won’t be able to pay me back my eight thousand dollars.”
    “I’ll pay back your lousy eight grand if I have to haul trash to do it. Not that you did anything to deserve it.”
    Ray snorted. “According to the court system, I’m entitled.”
    Heat suffused her face. “Get out.”
    “I will, when I’m damned well ready.”
    Holding back every curse word she had ever imagined calling the bastard, Bunny pointed to the door. “Now.”
    “I’m leaving. But only because I have an appointment with the tuxedo rental place, not because you’re telling me to.” He stared down his nose at her, the sneer firmly in place. “I’m watching you, so get your act straight, or I’ll shut you down faster than you can say whore.”
    Bunny shoved her fists into her pockets to keep from slapping the asshole.
    When he left, she leaned against a wall and willed the negative energy out of her body. Two years ago, she’d promised herself to never let him get to her again. She’d broken that promise today. Thank goodness he wouldn’t be at the Garden Club party that night, or she’d be tempted to tell him where he could put his eight thousand dollars.

Chapter Five
    Cory stood in the elaborate garden of Mrs. Henry Sandell’s, the president of the Temptation Garden Club. She’d chosen the timing of the party well. Every rose was blooming to perfection, and the lantana added bright spots of yellow-orange along the flagstone pathway, circling the acre of expertly planned and maintained flora.
    Barely taking in the beauty of the surroundings, Cory kept his gaze glued to the gated entrance through which the members of the club entered and exited. He glanced at his watch. Half past the scheduled hour, and Bunny had yet to show.
    “Cory, honey, can I tempt you with some punch?” Audrey, with Jackson at her side, stopped beside him and held out a dainty crystal punch cup.
    He eyed the tiny cup and shook his head. “Rather have a beer.”
    Jackson chuckled. “You and me both, buddy.” The Kiowa Indian tugged at his stiff collar and shrugged his shoulders in the sports jacket, apparently as uncomfortable in the setting as Cory.
    “She hasn’t arrived yet, has she?” Audrey asked, her gaze shifting to the gate.
    “No.” For the hundredth time, Cory glanced at his watch. “How does this work? Are people supposed to be here at a certain time for a meeting or something?”
    “Not tonight,” Audrey said. “This is Mrs. Sandell’s night to show off what she’s done with her garden and answer any questions someone might ask, like the names of the flowers, the soil